Business Jet Traveler

Swiss-based aircraft operator PrivatAir is preparing for the full launch of its Select Membership block charter program late this year in the U.S. and expects to extend it to European customers in early 2008. PrivatAir has been quietly offering the program to some U.S. clients over the past two years, during which time it has refined pricing and the service structure.

You've probably heard of or seen Air Force One-even if only in a movie or on TV-and know that it carries the President of the U.S. and his staff. But did you know that the Air Force also operates 15 other business jets that are used to transport high-profile government officials, including members of Congress?

Cutter Aviation, a full-service fixed-based operator (FBO) at eight major Southwest airports, recently opened a $4.5 million corporate aircraft hangar at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The 50,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility is divided into three units and, with 28-foot door height, can accommodate aircraft as large as the Global XRS.

President Bush has signed the Improving America's Security Act of 2007, which includes provisions dealing with general aviation security. Among other things, the act directs the Transportation Security Administration to develop and implement a standardized threat-and-vulnerability-assessment program for general aviation airports.

Aircraft cabin pressure often receives blame for passenger discomfort, from mental and physical fatigue to nausea, headaches and malaise. And while some justification exists for such claims, the subject is complicated.

Charter operator LyddAir has introduced Airshare, a fractional-ownership program offering pre-owned twin-engine piston and turboprop aircraft. At present, the fleet includes a pair of Piper PA31 Chieftains and a Beech Baron B58. The company, headquartered at Lydd Airport in southeastern England, is preparing to add a Hawker Beechcraft King Air 200.

The Air Charter Safety Foundation is working to develop an industry-wide audit standard by the end of this year. Such a standard would free charter operators from the need to undergo audits by each of several competing companies.

When you're sitting in the back of a business jet, you're entrusting the aircraft and its pilots to deliver you safely to your destination. One big reason you can count on them to do that is because Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) govern your flight.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has announced that it is seeking a buyer for a division of Landmark Aviation called Airport Services Group. The group consists of 33 FBOs, an aircraft sales division, a charter management business, six maintenance shops and six Hawker Beechcraft authorized service centers.